Immigrant Tuition Bill Advances

A bill that would help students in the U.S. illegally pay for their college educations has advanced.

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The Assembly Budget Committee advanced the bill Thursday that would allow these students pay the cheaper in-state tuition rate to attend state colleges and universities.

Bill sponsor Gordon Johnson amended the bill so it matches the Senate version.

That version also allows qualified students who are not legal residents to receive financial aid.

Gov. Chris Christie has said he would not sign a bill that includes the financial aid provision.

The governor, who won re-election with 50 percent of the Hispanic vote, has said he supports the concept of in-state tuition for children brought to this country illegally as children and educated in New Jersey.